GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Saturday, November 18th the Inspectorate of TEATT (Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications) conducted a countrywide control on bars and restaurants for business licenses and the playing of music.
Controllers were divided into four teams totaling 12 Controllers and dispatched throughout the country. The controls started at 7.00PM and ended at 11:30PM. A total of 17 businesses were controlled in the Philipsburg, Suckergarden Road, A.T. Illidge Road, Cul de Sac, Cole Bay and Simpson Bay areas.
One establishment in Philipsburg was closed for not being in possession of a business license or to sell alcoholic beverages, food and play music.
Several businesses were controlled and found not to be in possession of permission to play music, and the music was stopped. They were advised of the procedures to request permission to do so.
There were numerous violations found during the night control which were namely, establishments operating without the necessary permission from the Minister of TEATT, establishments playing music at volumes exceeding the condition granted in their permit, establishment playing music who have no permission to do so, establishments playing music or providing entertainment outside of their establishment, minors found inside establishments, persons found working in establishments that could not provide proof of being registered as employees, and food safety violations.
One establishment was found with 11 food safety violations. This case is being referred to the respective ministry.
The Inspectorate will continue with its program of controls on establishments for the foreseeable future. All businesses are reminded that by law they are required to have their business and operational license visibly posted inside the establishment at all times.
Permit holders are also reminded that they must abide by the conditions of their license at all times or risk being sanctioned. Establishments are not allowed to establish operations (chairs, tables, etc.) outside of the establishment.
This area that the establishment is permitted to operate within is clearly defined within the operational license. Establishments are also not allowed to have music outside of their establishment if not explicitly granted permission to do so in their permit (this includes karaoke).
By complying with their permit conditions and the law businesses can ensure that they are good neighbors in their respective communities.
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27765-17-businesses-controlled-many-infringements-found.html
